The Old Testament has a number of rich parables; one of them we read today. Jotham's parable of the trees and demand for good faith and integrity are important. Who do we want to lead and why? What standards should our leaders be held to? What about our men, our fathers, our leaders, and our pastors? In the spring the bramble does have a beauty when it is full of leaves and the appearance of life. But in the late fall and winter the bramble is revealed to have nothing but thorns and the power to choke out life.
Without use of a parable the Apostle Saul, also called Paul, makes the same statement to Elymas. "You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord?" (Acts 13:10)
Father, give us and make us godly leaders. Do not let the bramble bush rise up but instead raise up the olive, the fig, and the vine. Give us useful and wholesome leaders. This morning God, we pray for our pastors. We ask that You would make them holy, useful, and focused men. Men like Paul and Barnabas who spoke out boldly for the truth. Men who know who Jesus is and are able to urge others to come and walk with Him. Raise up a church full of joy and the Holy Spirit. Over and over in our reading today I saw the truth of Christ's resurrection. Fill me with the hope that Jesus' resurrection brings. Remove my fear of sin, take away my unrighteousness, and replace my fear of judgment with hope in You. Make me and Your church useful.
In Jesus' name
Amen
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